HI Khuk Cutting Power?

S

shadowraven

Joined
Nov 21, 2003
Messages
6
Can anyone provide me with details about how well a Hi Khuk cuts. I am looking at buying a M43 or an Ang Khola in 18 inch. Has anyone had any experiences with either of these Knives that they would be willing to tell me about. Thx for your help
 
I have both but I'd say go for a Ganga Ram 18", and ask for one with a good thick edge. My Ganga Ram outchops my AK and M43.
 
I guess it depends on what you are cutting. I've cut through quite a bit of wood and would have to classify the cutting ability of an 18" AK or M43 on wood as absolutely phenomenal. I've used a khuk to cut through a variety of other substances, including coins, with little or no edge damage. HI khukuris are serious cutting and chopping machines. You won't be disappointed.
--Josh
 
Welcome. An 18" AK can cut through alot. By alot I mean make sure that you know where the blade is going to go after it cuts through a 2.5in (or more) thick branch and or small tree. You do not want a limb to be in the line of fire.
 
Welcome, Shadowraven. There are some threads specifically addressing the cutting power of specific models of HI khukuris. Use the search function and look for "khukuri" and "Cliff Stamp." You may have to sort, but you'll find it. Cliff is the BF expert on objective testing and has had good results with HI khukuris.
 
Shadowraven:

Welcome to the forum. I had an 18" AK which seemed to replace a cruising axe for typical chopping and splitting that would be done with a lighter axe. However, it was much easier to carry and sharpen, and is safer to use IMHO. Currently it is riding another fellow's belt, and he seems to like it too.

Right now, my two favorite khuks are a 16.5" Chiruwa and a 17.5" Ganga Ram Special. You really can't go wrong with an 18" AK though.
 
Shadowraven,

Welcome to the Cantina! Great place to get those questions answered.

I have both an 18" AK and an M43. The blade on the M43 is much thinner than the AK. Also the M43 feels different than the AK due to the curve of the M43. The bevels on the M43 are more acute that the AK. This would give the AK a stronger edge than the M43 for real heavy chopping as it would take more abuse. Considering that the M43 is quite stout itself and can take alot of abuse itself, the AK is about indestructible! What this means for cutting though is that with the thicker bevels the AK doesn't cut as well in the kitchen. It will slice tomatoes but not really as easy as a thinner blade will. The M43 does a better job here. And the thicker bevels will tend to bind when chopping as they dig into some wood or whatever you're chopping. So I guess it depends on what you intend to cut as to which one is right for you. If you want a bulletproof chopper that can do other camp duties ok then get the AK. If you want a really tough chopper that will slice your tomatoes and butter your toast then get the M43.
 
Is the deal. Preferrably from Kami Sher Bishwakarma. I've abused the Hel outta mine with flawlwss repeat performance. chops wood for hours, still cuts paper. Chop and dig at roots in stony ground for a while, still chops wood. Wire cutter, hammer, draw knife, hatchet, pry bar, entrenching tool, signal mirror (when kept in hi-polish),etc.

If you want it to be tough enough to cut sheet metal, grind a slightly more obtuse bevel to the egde (saber grind style, and you will have zero edge failures, even when cutting extreme targets like cement or metals.

Welcome to the Cantina,

Keith
 
The Cold Steel has been reviewed and praised with faint D***'s for it's thinner edge sticking in the wood. The properly setup HI khuk with a convex/ lenticular/ saber/ cannelled edge penetrates just a bit less but forces apart the pieces cut more, allowing you to continue chopping at a steady pace rather than stopping after each chop to work the edge out as with the Cold steel ( or for that matter the thinner bladed HI's ).

That's why Yvsa is so adamant on the topic of convex edges.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top